The big three
Throughout this course we’ve looked at different case studies, definitions, and examples of what and what not to do. All of this information can be daunting and confusing, but with that in mind you can succeed if you just keep the following three KEY values in mind when dealing with other cultures. Understanding, Respect, and Trust.
Understanding
Understanding is what 90% of the AIC system is made up of as you probably saw in previous lessons. One cannot simply expect to achieve successful missions when dealing with foreign adversaries and allies without fully understanding what drives them. This driving force is usually based on culture, which is buried deep inside of them influencing almost every decision they make. Once begin to understand our counterparts then we can start learning how to respect them.
Respect
Respect will come with a understanding of the cultural forces driving the people. You might say, “well why do I need to respect my enemy?”. Respecting your enemy is not about a yes sir, no sir respect. Instead it involved respecting their tactics and decisions in order to come up with a better plan for dealing with such. We can easily play off ISIS’s unconventional tactics and see them as inferior not only with their tools but in the way they fight as well. Instead, by respecting the way they do things, we realize that these tactics, although unconventional, are capable of dealing major casualties both mentally and physically to allied forces.
Trust
Perhaps the final aspect “trust”, is the only word that does not apply to the enemy on the battlefield but instead diplomatic ones we are negotiating with. It is easy to trust our allies, but when dealing with a enemy the same cannot be said. However, if we never learn to trust them, they are sure to be our enemy forever and progress will never be made. Give them small amounts of trust and the opportunity to earn more or break it all together.